A special event permit is required for most events that meet at least one of the following:

• Are open to the general public.
• Are over 6 hours long.
• Require street closings.
• Requesting permission for a prohibited activity, such as archery, sound amplifying equipment, and temporary chalk marking associated with sports and games.

See Town Park Use and Event Management in Code of Ordinances.

The Town of Hillsborough fully supports people's rights to stand up for their beliefs and values. Free speech is protected for everyone under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and is critical to our democracy. 

Anyone inviting the public to participate in an event or to gather in public spaces should apply for a special event permit. The permit helps the town plan for appropriate staffing to ensure public safety at public gatherings. Public gatherings include demonstrations, marches, protests, rallies and vigils. 

Permit Conditions

The town expects people demonstrating their First Amendment rights to conduct themselves in a civil manner and to avoid escalating confrontation by actions such as using profanity, threatening violence, or approaching any opposing groups. 

Below are conditions for the permit:

Unimpeded travel — Participants cannot obstruct, accost or maliciously detain pedestrians or block a pedestrian's path or do the same for vehicular traffic on adjacent roadways.

Crowd size — If the event becomes too large to reasonably gather on the Orange County Historic Courthouse lawns or near sidewalks without impacting pedestrian or vehicular travel, the event participants will need to spread out, disperse or move to a larger public gathering space. If organizers do not disperse participants, law enforcement may ask participants to disperse.

Law enforcement guidance — At all times, organizers and participants should obey the direction and safety measures prescribed by officials with the Hillsborough Police Department and Orange County Sheriff's Office. 

Application Process

Permit applications must be received at least 60 days in advance of the requested event. To apply, complete the application and include a map with the event's location marked. Applicants for events on the Riverwalk greenway should understand that the greenway would remain open to the public.

Gold Park, Kings Highway Park and the Riverwalk greenway are closed for repairs due to damage from Tropical Storm Chantal in July. Parts of Riverwalk may open before the parks. Check with staff on estimated openings.

Apply for Special Event Permit

Applications can be submitted by:

• Email — dakotah.kimbrough@hillsboroughnc.gov
• In person — Town Hall, 101 E. Orange St.
• Mail — Planning and Economic Development Division, Attn: Dakotah Kimbrough, PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278
• Fax — 919-644-2390

Permit fees are:

• Public and private events: Private property — $25
• Public and private events: Public property — $40
• Street or greenway events — $65

Fees and Charges Schedule

A signs permit is needed to:

• Display a banner at any location.
• Place up to five temporary signs around town.

Apply for Signs Permit

Contact Economic Development

Fees are:

• Banner-only reservation and permit — $5.
• Banner reservation and up to five additional signs permit — $20.